Shivakumar Attends NITI Aayog Meet, Seeks Centre Partnership For Karnataka Growth

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar called for a stronger partnership between the Centre and states during the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, signalling a cooperative approach toward development and governance. Addressing the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shivakumar stressed the importance of collaborative federalism and urged the Centre to work closely with states in designing policies suited to regional needs and challenges.

In his remarks, Shivakumar advocated greater flexibility for states in implementing centrally sponsored schemes and sought incentives for improvements in key sectors such as nutrition, education, employment, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. He also highlighted the need to expand digital public infrastructure and strengthen urban and regional economic growth centres to generate quality employment and enhance resilience against global economic uncertainties.

According to notes shared by the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office, Shivakumar said states should not be viewed merely as implementing agencies but as laboratories of innovation and growth. He emphasised that inclusive human development can only be achieved through cooperative federalism, collaborative governance, and collective national effort. Karnataka, he added, remains committed to working alongside the Union government and other states to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

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The meeting marked a notable shift from the stance adopted by the Congress Government in Karnataka in recent years. Shivakumar’s participation contrasted with the boycott of the NITI Aayog meeting by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in 2024, when he protested against what he described as inadequate allocation of funds to Karnataka in the Union Budget. During his visit, Shivakumar also held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ahead of the NITI Aayog meeting, Shivakumar met Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and sought approvals for Bengaluru infrastructure projects worth Rs 13,549 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund announced in the 2026 Union Budget. The proposals include an elevated corridor project, a sewage treatment plant, and two packages of the Bengaluru Business Corridor, formerly known as the Peripheral Ring Road project.

The Karnataka Government has also requested approvals for Phase 3 of the Bengaluru Metro project, including proposed double-decker flyovers, as well as clearance for cost escalations in Metro Phase 2. The infrastructure proposals are aimed at addressing Bengaluru’s growing urban mobility needs and supporting long-term economic development in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.

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